I have a new Sunset Orange EX 4WD on order, but I'm becoming more and more concerned about the Element.

I have read tons of info, ie reviews, owner reports etc, etc, etc and I still love the Element, BUT, I'm growing rather concerned over some of the problems I've read here from other owners.

Notably, there still seems to be uncertainty about the plastic fenders scratching, problems with the cd players skipping, problems with the drivers seat rocking, problems with the rear floor bubbling and problems with the locks to name a few.

Further, I'm reading that the intial supply was predominately pre-sold, but that there are now dealers with several Elements just sitting on the lot. Has the frenzy started to fade already?

I'm also reading that their are engine concerns since apparently Honda used the Accord engine in lieu of the CRV engine.

With this thing being on the market for such a short time, there seems to be an awful lot of things wrong with it that are popping up a little too soon. I wonder what else will come up in the next six months or so.

There are a number of people that are beginning to believe this model for Honda may have a short life span. I don't want to get stuck with something that I can't unload later.

I feel certain this vehicle will have some major improvements in next years model, but I need a vehicle now.

I'm beginning to wonder if the CRV isn't a safer bet.

What are your thoughts?

My Element has arrived and I'm slated to pick it up Tuesday.

Thanks,
Goober

You've brought us some food for thought. I don't have my Element yet so I can't be much help to you. But when you do get a response from the great people on this site, make sure you separate the ones who are blinded by love and those who are objective....Butch

Hey Goober, honestly yours is the first I have heard with such a laundry list of problems with the Elements. I have had mine for a week (which is hardly long enough to be totally clear on any issues).

With anything you buy (especially when it is fresh & new like the Element) it is a gamble.

If you are looking for straight up reliable, dependable, proven track record, etc, vehicle go with the CRV. The CRV is awesome, I was considering it before I had a chance to read more ont he Element & Fell head over heals in Love! The ride is smooth and extremely car like with good umph and more... The only issues I had was I hated the seat fabric, the style a little boring for me, and I loved sooo much on the Element it was no contest, for me.

Go with the CRV and give the Element a few years to iron out any wrinkles, then you always have the option if it has truly proven itself. It is a gamble, and if you are not up for it, really go with the CRV! You will NOT be disappointed!

I do love my Element.. I really, really Do!

This is the 1st I have heard of so many problems as well.

I have had mine since the 14th of Jan, and have had no problems with anything other than the dealer getting in some options I ordered.

We looked at both the Element and the CRV. We went with the Element for all sorts of reasons. It had everything we wanted either in it, or that were available for it. We only needed 4 seats, and wanted something that was durable. We just loved the interior of the Element, the styling of it, etc.

The CRV was nice, but we liked the Element so much better.

RML how long for your accessories, it has been over a week for me.. and still not in, how about you how long did it take for your extras?

Glad you love yours too, mine has been with me a week yesterday! I love it more & more everyday, too wonderful!

Goober, can you give us more details on these bad things you have heard, who from and such.. or was it one person.. it just really is surprising!

Gypsytda,

Well, most were in stock, or they were able to get within a day or 2. I am still waiting for the Cabana tent poles (no big deal, I don't need them till warm weather), and the switch panel trim. I would love to get the switch panel trim in, and installed, but I have to wait a bit longer. Items like the bungee, all season floor mats, 8 disc cd changer, privacy panels, cabana, etc were all in stock.

Let me know what the switch panel trim is like, and if you can take a photo, i had nothing to go by so i skipped on that.. but I am curious..

Yeah it has been over a week for me, err.. but the dealer is great. They will even pick up my vehicle and bring me one to use till mine is ready, so that is really nice (especially since they are like an hour away).

I would love to hear how things continue to go for you. Thank you!

The switch panel trim is a piece of metal that goes over the switch panel area on the drivers side, and the passenger side by the window switches. We went with the center panel and meter panel trim. They look great. Check out the pics on http://www.handa-accessories.com/elementint.html

RML yeah silly I knew WHAT it was, I just did not know what it would look like, how nice etc.. So I see on that site (by the instructions) they are essentially stick-ons.. very, very easy.. that is what I expected so that is cool!

I would love to see yours when you get em, would you take some photos, pllleeeaaassseee.. thank you!

Gypsytda,

Not a problem. I will get some pics once I wash off the road trip dirt. Hope to this week. Will post pics of the switch panel trim if and when it gets in to the dealer.

So you are having the dealer "Stick on" this trim, yikes, they seriously over charge for the items (like this) I would to hate to see what they charge to (Stick on) install this item!

I ordered the switch trim from that h-and-a site, nice price, and once it warms up i can do it myself.. they suggest to do it when it is at least 60 degrees on the instructions..

i will look forward to your pix, ciao!

Gypsytda,

Yeah, I got it from the dealer. For the most part, I went with the dealer for anything that involved drilling, or taking pieces off.

The dealer thru in the trim, so I figured why not. When we were adding up the options, I got a few for free. The trim was one of them.

The things like the fog lights, cd changer, etc, it was just easier to let the dealer do it.

i agree 100% I am glad it was a toss in, I would have to scream if you had them do it, smiles!

I also had some of the other items (electrical or drilling) done by my dealer too, also so if there is a problem it is covered under warranty etc. you know covering my butt!!

With the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty bumper to bumper, it was better to let the dealer work on some things.

Also, with it being brand new, no one has been working on it, yet. So I thought that the best thing was let the dealer do it. That way, any problems, the dealer had to make them good.

Yup you got it... good job! Some things just are not worth the hassle nor worth the mistakes.

Good move! :D

I have only had my Element for a week so I can't report any problems but I look to Honda's track record which is one of the best in the business.

The engine in the E is the same 2.4L as in the CRV I believe. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. Honda has been making the VTECH for some time now and again is one of the most reliable on record. Just read any consumer reports review from the last five years. Don't trust JD Power they only review items if the company pays for it.

I will add to these boards with any problems that pop up.

Very cool Comments.. szacherau (and a cool name too)

Yeah I also have no issue at all with Honda's relilablity, dependability & history.. They really kick butt!

Can't beat a Honda!

I have been a Honda fan for some time. I had a 93 Civic Si for 8 years, put 160,000 miles on it. I lived in NJ, AZ and VA while owning it so it drove across the usa several times. The most expensive thing I ever had to replace was the clutch at 140,000. The rest was all normal upkeep.

I should clear up my statement about JD Power. The reason you should take JD's statements with a grain of salt is this as follows. If 5 companies make an Element like vehicle they go to each one and say "We want to test your car. Gives us one and $xx,xxx so we can do it". Companies 1, 2, and 3 feel it is worth it and say yes. 4 and 5 do not. Then JD Power test the three and rates company 2's the best in class. Company 4 or 5 could beats company 2's pants off but we will never know.

A group like Consumer Reports buys the car from the dealer like you or I and reports on it merits and a producers past record.

Enjoy your Element!

PLUS along with Consumer Reports own review of the vehicle.. the History reports are from consumers themselves.

Anyone who subscribes to Consumer reports gets annual surveys to fill out, they report on every kind of item, and cars of course.. with the cars it includes the year, make and model... and a whole detailed list to rate about the car..

So with Consumer Reports you get more than their review you get a broad public/consumer view of the vehicles! (and more).

test drove crv did not like it!!!!!!!on east coast it is made in UK....test drove element and I like it...better everything.......pickup ride steering...

>Notably, there still seems to be uncertainty about the plastic fenders >scratching,

I live in California, so I am biased to the fact that every car you will ever own will get scratched by some inconsiderate ass-hat sometime in it's life.

>problems with the cd players skipping,


This I have not personally noticed. I drive some pretty bumpy, pot holed roads. One day I took a lot of the bumps to see how the E handled them. Everything went well and I didn't hear one tick in my CD player...

>problems with the drivers seat rocking, problems with the rear floor >bubbling and

These two I am not familiar with...sorry...


>problems with the locks to name a few.

I have noticed one problem with the locks. If you hit the Auto door lock on the inside of the door, slam the door and pull the handle, the door pops open a bit. This I found disturbing. If you lock the door with the key from the outside, it not only locks all the doors, but prevents this from happening. I'm hoping keyless entry works the same.

>Further, I'm reading that the intial supply was predominately pre-sold, but >that there are now dealers with several Elements just sitting on the lot. >Has the frenzy started to fade already?

Just had my dealer follow-up call today, he told me they're having trouble keeping them on the lot. The sold a sunset orange to an 80 year old man who siad "I want everyone to see it!"


I think the rest of your questions were well answered by RML : You take a chance buying a first year car. I wouldn't have bought it myself if my dad hadn't told me it would be a good idea. My dad is the most anal car guy I know...won't buy a first year, and won't buy anything but honda, toyota or volvo. When he gives the high sign on a vehicle, I listen...that's why I keep him around I guess.

I wouldn't buy the CR-V myself... I think it's a high rollover risk. The Element has a lower center of gravity it seems... it sure feels less tippy.

Yes the E is lower and wider then the CR-V. Much more stable and in the skid pad test Car & Driver had the E tied with the BMW SUV. If I recall correctly they both tied for first place on the skid pad for the SUV class.

remf: good reply on all concerns for the indecision of CRV vs Element

I did like the CRV but I did find it kinda boring otherwise AWESOME vehicle..

I personally LOVE the ELEMENT, just everything about it simply wonderful!

As far as the cd skip warning it is covering you A** concept, and they have to make sure those little things are covered, nothing major!

You know like don't use your hairdryer in the tub or shower, you know anti-moron messages.. hee

ENJOY your E!!

The Element is 71.5" wide and the CR-V is 70.2 inches wide...The Element is 74" high and the CRV is 66.2 inches high...if either one of these vehicles is gonna roll over easy it's the element...I'm sure the engineers gave it that low ground clearance for this reason :roll:

Actually, they tightend up things on the E, so it won't roll over. That is not to say that you can't get it to roll, I can get just about any car to if I tried hard enough. :D

From the reports, and like I said, reports, the E is actually less likely to roll over than the CRV. The wider wheel base is only part of it.

That may be true, but the CR-V has the wider wheelbase...it is 103.1", while the Element is 101.4"...due to it's shorter body. There are a lot of factors to consider when discussing the ability of a vehicle to roll over, but the only real way to know is put one through the test. Maybe Consumer Reports will have an article on the Element in the future :D

Has anyone here actually rolled a car or a truck? Anyone remember the tv show eight is enough? tommy rolled the family VW van doing something stupid. I think the only factor in roll over is the driver. But that is just me

i rolled an m151 ford mutt (jeep) over in the army.

While I have not rolled a vehicle, I have been in one that almost did. Yes, it was driver's error.

An easy way to roll a car is to brake and steer while one set of wheels is on the tarmac and the other set is on the tarmac. The wheels are travelling at different velocities because of the different driving surfaces, making it easy to lose control.

Iskie

Hey Goober, I too am trying to decide between the crv and the element. I have not heard of all these problems, though. Let me know what you decide, I'm kind of curious. :?

Bluto, this is a pretty old thread so I'll throw in my more recent experience, we bouth our Element in June. We went to the dealer knowing we would buy a Element or CR-V, I had driven both as well as other small SUVs. The car would be my wife's therefore she got to decide, we went to the dealer, test drove both vehicles, then went to lunch and spent an hour agonizing over which one to get, price difference was ~$1000, not enough to make the difference for us. My wife picked the E due to it's easy clean interior (we have two medium/large dogs), and it's uniqueness and roomy interior with removeable seats. We liked the CR-V for it's more "plush" appointments, front sunroof and 6 disc changer, in the end we still liked the Element better. Other than the windshield problem, the CR-V will likely have similar issues though it is one model year ahead of the Element as far as new designs go, they are both based on the same platform and have the same drive train.
My advice, drive them both and let whoever is going to drive it, pick which one they want :D

Goober, I have had my ELEMENT for 3 dayz now i know that's not long but it seems i like to stay in it more then my house now :roll: maybe thats bad it is really roomy and it drive's so good every where i go someone comes up to me asking me all about it i had about 15-20 ppl come over to me at the gas station the other day (not at once) but everyone loves it i have had no problems with mine it is perfect,my parents talk about how much i love this car i have had 3 cars now a 1990 Jeep Wrangler (Used) and when i turned 16 they got me a brand new mitsubishi eclipse (2000) and now they talk about how i never really was excited about any new car except this one i dont think i will ever get rid of it unless 6 or 7 yrs down the road they have a newer ELEMENT with more features i may get another. to make a long story short i have a brother that is 14 and he now wants one and the up and comming kids are really picky about stuff so that goes to show you the Element :D is really nice! :wink: I LUV MY E!

I've had mine for two months, no problems. I think some of those problems they fixed right away because I have several friends with E's and nobody has had any issues with it.

I'd go with what appeals to you and leave it at that.

thanks for the input, man. Whichever we choose will be primarily mine, so I guess it's really up to me. We're going out to test drive this Saturday, hopefully I can make a decision. The ez cleanup is definitely a plus with having a 2 year old, But I must admit, I am kind of used to the softer interior. I do like the look of the E, it is pretty slick. I have a feeling it's not going to be an easy choice...they both have equally good qualities.
-Bluto

I test drove a CRV a couple years ago. Granted it was not the new 160hp engine but after driving it, I thought it was OK but pretty boring. I test drove the E and one drive was all it took. Handled much better, better feel....looks MUCH better IMO. CRV looks like an elevated station wagon to me. E looks like nothing else.

For me it was a no brainer as well b/c of the versatility of the E and how I can remove or maneuver the rear seats. The stainproof/waterproof interior to me is also unbeatable. I now have nearly 5000 miles on the E and had only 1 problem, which was the dashboard creaking/tapping and Honda fixed it. My E feels like it will go forever. If you lead an active (and sweaty) lifestyle like I do, the E is definitely the choice. If you're just looking for comfort....etc.....I still think the E is the choice. You can drive it for hours and it's so smooth and comfortable. I wouldn't trade the E for anything....especially a CRV! Get the E!! You will NOT regret it!

I'm also experiencing the same question: CRV or Element. It's so frustrating!!! I'm 32 and just recently got married so I'm selling my BMW Z3 to get something more practical.

After test driving both vehicles it's hard to say which one to get. My wife moutain bikes and we both like camping which fits the element's style. I have to say that I think the element is pretty ugly, actually my wife doesn't. However, the utility and driving experience overrides this and makes it one of the best vehicles out there. I love the back seating, space, stereo, and wrap around windows.

The CRV is pretty boring, styling and driving wise. It looks to me like every other SUV on the road and are a dime a dozen where I live. It's good points are that It handles like a car and is a little more plush then the Element, along with with great resell value. Which leads me to my indecision... I really worry about resell value. The element is still very new and has no history behind it. I wouldn't want to buy something and have it turn up like the honda del sol.

Oh well, great forums here . I will continue to ponder :) It seems that it really is more of a gamble with the element though. :roll:

I just love the large flat load floor with the seats up or out, you can't beat it. That is one of the things that leaned us towards our E instead of the CR-V.

I drive both the CRV and the E. You can't go wrong with either. If you like tons of room, easy cleaning, kick ass stereo, powerful motor and wild looks then get the element. If you want a more refined SUV with a few more comforts then get the CRV. Don't worry about the reliability on the E. I've had mine 3 months now with no problems. Don't get too paranoid reading all the problem posts, most owners don't have them.
Good luck with whatever Honda you buy.

PS: The Pilot is very nice too if you don't mind spending another $10k.
8)

I actually think that the element is ok- no problems so far(except with a rock and another car)
The only times we had to repair the car were when:
- While stopped, a car rammed into the back of our car while that car was going about 60. Nothing happened to the car except for a little dent in the plastic bumper which took 20 minutes to replace
-While going down the highway a rock from a truck hit our windshield

While neither are the element's fault, it held up pretty good and with the problems you listed, nothing has happened to our element and we've had it since it first came out

I own a 1997 CRV and a 2003 Element. The CRV was for my wife. It is a great car. 116000 miles and still going strong. But now it is 6 years later. The crv is larger, finally has a bigger motor and the price is still affordable. I test drove the new one and the element. I like the CRV but the element to me has so much more to give. A wider wheel base, bigger tires, bigger interior. Let's just say everything is bigger. The CRV is a great car and a very reliable piece of transportation but I went with the element for me. It is 1000 dollars less than the crv. Most dealers won't budge on the price of the CRV because they are hotter than the pilots. My dealer knocked 2000 right off the sticker of the element. The car was so practical and roomy I had to get it. I would buy my wife another CRV in a heartbeat but the element is for me.

Jeeze, this is old. FWIW, goober did buy one, but stopped posting in mid February. You can do a search by author... but in the interest of newbies stumbling upon the CRV vs Element debate for the first time:

[quote:594427d98c="goober"]I have a new Sunset Orange EX 4WD on order, but I'm becoming more and more concerned about the Element. I have read tons of info, ie reviews, owner reports etc, etc, etc and I still love the Element, BUT, I'm growing rather concerned over some of the problems I've read here from other owners.

Notably, there still seems to be uncertainty about the plastic fenders scratching, problems with the cd players skipping, problems with the drivers seat rocking, problems with the rear floor bubbling and problems with the locks to name a few.[/quote:594427d98c]

Fenders scratch: yes. so does paint on any car though. The benefit of plastic fenders is that they are incredibly cheap to replace.
CD skips: ours has only skipped when a CD-R was left in the CD player while the Element was parked in the sun during hot weather. No problems with store-bought pressed CDs under these same conditions.
Driver seat rocking: Issue hasn't been brought up for months. Fixed by tightening some bolts.
Floor bubbling: Again, hasn't been brought up for months. Not sure why, never witnessed it myself. Then again, I got mats.
Locks: without the keyless entry, you have to use your key from the outside. You cannot lock the car from the inside when exiting. This is a fool-proof measure so you don't yourself out. Trust me, I locked out of a mazda last week, it sucked.

[quote:594427d98c="goober"]Further, I'm reading that the intial supply was predominately pre-sold, but that there are now dealers with several Elements just sitting on the lot. Has the frenzy started to fade already?[/quote:594427d98c]

Obviously, a small dip in mid-winter might have been normal. They've been selling quite well.

[quote:594427d98c="goober"]I'm also reading that their are engine concerns since apparently Honda used the Accord engine in lieu of the CRV engine. [/quote:594427d98c]

?? I'm clueless on this. There is somethig bad about Accord engines?

[quote:594427d98c="goober"]With this thing being on the market for such a short time, there seems to be an awful lot of things wrong with it that are popping up a little too soon. I wonder what else will come up in the next six months or so.[/quote:594427d98c]

This is common for all first model year vehicles. Astoundingly few issues have come up, Honda has done very very well at addressing them.

Not mentioned: the cracked windshield issue: fixed as well.

[quote:594427d98c="goober"]There are a number of people that are beginning to believe this model for Honda may have a short life span. I don't want to get stuck with something that I can't unload later.[/quote:594427d98c]

It has caught on like wild fire. Expect to see more vehicles competing in this new niche.

[quote:594427d98c="goober"]I feel certain this vehicle will have some major improvements in next years model, but I need a vehicle now.[/quote:594427d98c]

I hope so! Honda did great on its first try, but there's always room for improvement and new features. If the Element stays the same year to year, something is wrong.

[quote:594427d98c="goober"]I'm beginning to wonder if the CRV isn't a safer bet.[/quote:594427d98c]

It is a much more conventional vehicle. It is a safer bet to be liked by a wider audience. There's nothing wrong with a CRV, I think probably 90% of the people on this board had to choose between the two. Obviously, asking the question of CRV vs Element here on this forum, will get a slightly slanted answer.

I know goober has an Element, and didn't need a response, but this is for any new readers who may be asking themselves about all these possible problems. Most have been fixed at the factory by now, and the rest have TCB's issued.

Locks: without the keyless entry, you have to use your key from the outside. You cannot lock the car from the inside when exiting. This is a fool-proof measure so you don't yourself out. Trust me, I locked out of a mazda last week, it sucked.


Correction: Hold the inside door handle in the open position, and then lock the door. Shut the door. It's locked. Very old Honda "undocumented feature."

Regarding this whole CRV vs. Element thing: I just bought one of each. Traded in my 2 1999 CRVs - wife stuck with the CRV, I got the E :D .

We're both very pleased. Both NBP.

jr

[quote:35340caf92="firetruck41"]I just love the large flat load floor with the seats up or out, you can't beat it. That is one of the things that leaned us towards our E instead of the CR-V.[/quote:35340caf92]
Umm, yeah. When I first saw/test drove the E, it was like "oh, that's nice -- a large flat-load floor". Now four months (and many MANY hauling trips later) ... I'm not sure I'll ever be able to have another vehicle that doesn't have that! :shock:

I don't get it. We pick up the girlfriends new 03 CRV EX last night. MSRP is 29,900. (didn't pay that) My element 4wd Y package is MSRP 29,900. I love my element and wouldn't trade it but the CRV is much better equiped for the same money. Dual arm rests, nicer seats, a lot more solid and the windows did rattle when have way down. Also remote keyless and 6 cd indash. The CRV is a better value.